Accreditation Process
A step-by-step approach to evaluating an organisation's competence, impartiality and ability to meet applicable accreditation requirements.
Steps in the Accreditation Process
Organisations seeking accreditation generally proceed through the following stages. Each stage helps establish whether the applicant meets the relevant standards and accreditation criteria.
Initial Enquiry
Contact USIAC to understand the applicable accreditation programme, eligibility criteria, standards, scope and application requirements.
Application Submission
Submit the completed application form along with the required organisational details, proposed scope, quality documents and supporting records.
Application Review
The submitted application and documents are reviewed for completeness, suitability and alignment with the applicable accreditation requirements. Any gaps or missing information may be communicated to the applicant.
Assessment Planning
An assessment plan is prepared based on the applicant's activities, proposed scope, locations and relevant technical requirements. Assessment arrangements are communicated to the applicant.
Assessment
Assessors evaluate the organisation's management system, technical competence, personnel, equipment, procedures, records and actual operations against the applicable requirements.
Nonconformity & Corrective Action
Any identified nonconformities are communicated to the applicant. The organisation is required to investigate the causes, implement corrective actions and submit supporting evidence for review.
Review & Accreditation Decision
Assessment findings and corrective-action evidence are reviewed before an authorised accreditation decision is made. If approved, accreditation is granted for the defined scope and relevant accreditation documentation is issued.
Surveillance & Reassessment
After accreditation, the organisation may be subject to periodic surveillance and reassessment to verify continued compliance, competence and fulfilment of accreditation requirements.
Important: The actual stages, timelines, assessment arrangements and decision procedures are governed by USIAC's approved accreditation policies and programme-specific requirements.